San Bernardino Brain Injury Attorney

Brain injuries are not always readily visible, but they can change a person’s life forever. As the International Brain Injury Association reports, brain injury is the type of injury most likely to result in permanent disability or death. The medical issues surrounding brain injuries and their treatment are often complex, and the legal issues involved can be complicated as well. If you or someone you love has suffered a brain injury, connecting with an experienced San Bernardino brain injury attorney can help you secure the care that you need and the compensation that you deserve for your injury.

Common Causes of Brain Injury

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some 1.5 million people in the United States suffer a traumatic brain injury each year. Annually, 85,000 people will find themselves struggling with long-term disabilities as the result of this type of injury, and 50,000 people will die. A brain injury is often the result of a violent blow or shock to the head. Gunshot wounds, falls, and auto accidents are all common causes of brain injuries. Exposure to toxic chemicals and events that interfere with the flow of oxygen or blood to the brain can also result in brain injury. Poisonings, birth injuries and strokes can also cause brain injury.

A brain injury can have severe cognitive, emotional and physical effects, so individuals who may have experienced this type of injury must be vigilant in watching for any signs of trouble. While the victim’s health is the primary concern, it is also essential to document the incident, the injury and its treatment so that when you meet with a San Bernardino brain injury attorney, you’ll have all the necessary information to begin building a compelling case.

Signs of Brain Injury

Prompt medical treatment accelerates healing and may lessen the likelihood or severity of permanent injury, so it is best to seek assistance immediately if you are concerned. The following are signs of a possible brain injury:

• Headache.
• Disorientation or confusion.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Mood changes.
• Dizziness, difficulty with balance or lack of coordination.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Issues with speech.
• Fatigue, drowsiness or changes in sleep patterns.

Determining a Brain Injury’s Severity

When it comes to brain injuries, the age and gender of the victim, the state of their overall health, and the area of the brain involved are among the multitude of factors that influence the type and severity of the temporary or permanent injury. Brain injuries are classified as mild, moderate or severe. This classification can be established in a few different ways:

• Loss of consciousness. Clinicians attempting to determine the severity of a brain injury often consider the length of time that the victim was unconscious or in an altered mental state following their injury. The more severe the insensibility and the longer it persists, the higher the severity of the injury.
• Posttraumatic amnesia. Clinicians may also weigh the amount of time that passes from the time of the injury to when the victim recovers their continuous memory. A brief disruption is typically associated with a mild injury. In contrast, posttraumatic amnesia that extends over weeks indicates a severe brain injury.
• Glasgow Coma Scale When utilizing this scale, clinicians assess a victim’s motor response, verbal response, and eye-opening. Each area is assigned a score. The total score indicates the individual’s level of neurological functioning and consciousness. Low scores reveal a severe injury. Higher scores suggest a mild injury.

Why Hiring a San Bernardino Brain Injury Attorney Can Help

Many kinds of incidents can cause a brain injury, so identifying the parties responsible for the injury and building a legal case that proves the injury and damages can be complicated. An experienced attorney can be an invaluable ally. They have the knowledge and resources to secure the evidence, investigate the facts, and build a convincing case, which can maximize your compensation. How is compensation determined? If you have suffered a brain injury, there are several categories of damages that you might be able to seek compensation for:

• Medical bills and life-care expenses.
• Medical monitoring and continuing care expenses.
• Pain and suffering.
• Lifestyle changes.
• Future damages.
• Lost wages.
• Diminished earning capacity.
• Punitive damages.

Brain injuries are severe events that can have life-changing consequences. If you have suffered a brain injury, you need an experienced attorney who can offer guidance about your legal options, serve as your advocate and work effectively to secure the maximum compensation for you. When you need a San Bernardino brain injury attorney, reach out to the Rizio Lipinsky Heiting. We know what it takes to build a solid legal case, and we’ll work diligently to ensure that you receive the compensation that you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.